Dubai is embarking on a monumental transformation of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), set to become the world’s largest airport by capacity. With a staggering investment of Dhs128 billion, the project will ultimately accommodate up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually—more than any airport globally.
Currently operating on a smaller scale in Dubai South, DWC will undergo a three-phase expansion. Phase one, scheduled for completion by 2032, will include the West Terminal, Concourse 1 with 100 gates, and two new runways. It will also feature underground trains, automated baggage systems, and smart passenger processing powered by AI and biometric technologies. This phase alone will boost capacity to 150 million passengers per year.
Phase two will add another concourse and three more train stations, further expanding the airport’s footprint. The final phase will see the construction of the East Terminal, Concourses 3 and 4, two additional runways, and a full 14-station underground rail loop. DWC will span 70 square kilometers, featuring over 400 gates, five runways, and five terminal buildings.
The airport will anchor a broader development in Dubai South, envisioned as a self-sustained aerotropolis with residential, commercial, and logistics zones. It’s expected to support up to one million residents and workers, fueling economic growth across sectors like aviation, construction, real estate, and tourism.
As Dubai International Airport (DXB) nears full capacity, all operations will gradually shift to DWC in the coming decades. Major infrastructure contracts have already been awarded, including a Dh1 billion deal for a second runway. The complete transition is expected to stretch into the 2050s, ensuring Dubai remains a global aviation powerhouse for generations to come.
